Non‑EU sellers shipping inventory to Amazon France FBA warehouses must provide valid MRN (Movement Reference Number) for every inbound shipment. Traditional third‑party DDP channels often cannot generate seller‑specific MRN records, pushing many sellers to shift toward DAP shipping with their own EORI and VAT registration。
What Are MRN and EORI for French FBA Imports?
MRN (Movement Reference Number) is an 18‑character unique customs declaration ID generated by EU customs when goods enter European territory。Each import declaration creates one MRN, and this document is mandatory for shipments stored in French Amazon fulfilment centres under the French General Tax Code (FR GTC)。
EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number) is your unique EU customs operator ID required for all non‑EU businesses importing physical goods into the European Union。You will need both numbers uploaded within 60 days after your shipment arrives at Amazon FCs; missing valid records will block you from creating new FBA inbound shipments。
Why Standard DDP Creates MRN Compliance Risks
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the freight forwarder handles customs clearance, import duties and VAT before goods arrive at Amazon warehouses。Many popular DDP consolidation services clear cargo under the logistics provider’s own EORI and VAT, not under the seller’s business entity。
Under this setup, you receive no MRN linked directly to your seller account. Even if your cargo clears customs smoothly, you cannot submit matching MRN data on Amazon seller central. This triggers non‑compliance flags for France FBA inventory, with risk of inbound creation restrictions during peak sales seasons。
| Shipping Term | Who acts as importer of record | Can you get seller‑owned MRN? | Main compliance risk for France FBA |
|---|---|---|---|
| DDP (forwarder VAT) | Logistics agent | No | MRN mismatch, compliance warning, blocked new shipments |
| DAP (seller own EORI/VAT) | Your registered business | Yes | You take full control of import declaration and tax payment |
How DAP Works for Amazon France FBA Shipments
DAP (Delivered At Place) means your cargo arrives at the Amazon fulfilment centre location uncleared. Your appointed customs broker uses your own EORI and local French VAT to complete import formalities, pay duties and import VAT, and generate MRN under your business name。
Important note: Amazon will not act as Importer of Record (IOR). You must assign a qualified customs representative in France to handle tax filing and clearance work on your behalf before cargo arrives at EU borders。Do not send DAP shipments without pre‑arranged local clearance support, or goods risk detention or return.
Key Steps to Complete MRN Compliance for France FBA
- Secure a valid EORI number and French VAT registration for your non‑EU business entity.
- Select DAP shipping terms and confirm your freight forwarder supports seller‑owned import declarations.
- Appoint a licensed French customs representative as required by local tax rules.
- After customs clearance, collect the official MRN document from your broker for each shipment.
- Upload MRN and corresponding EORI inside the “Import details” section on your Amazon Manage Shipments page within 60 days of warehouse receipt。
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do I need MRN if I do not use Pan‑EU?
A1: Yes. All non‑EU sellers sending goods directly to French FBA fulfilment centres must provide MRN and EORI, regardless of Pan‑EU programme status。
Q2: Can my forwarder’s MRN satisfy Amazon’s requirement?
A2: No. The MRN must tie to your import declaration under your business entity. MRN generated under a logistics company’s EORI will be rejected by Amazon compliance checks。
Q3: What happens if I miss the 60‑day upload window?
A3: Amazon restricts your permission to create new FBA inbound shipments for EU warehouses until valid MRN records are submitted。
Q4: Can I switch from DDP to DAP for existing inventory already inside France?
A4: No. MRN is generated on first EU import. Existing stock cannot retroactively create new MRN records. All new shipments should adopt compliant DAP workflow.
Conclusion
The French MRN requirement fundamentally changes how non‑EU sellers send goods to Amazon France FBA. Reliance on third‑party DDP channels creates hidden compliance exposure that may disrupt seasonal inventory restocking. By switching to DAP shipping with your own EORI, French VAT and local customs representative, you can obtain valid MRN for every inbound and avoid inbound block risks. Always confirm MRN availability with your logistics partner before booking shipments to France.
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